DISCLAIMER:  If you are someone who believes that the Rays do not need a new stadium in order to remain competitive, stop reading this article right now.  All of the presentation and analysis in the following article presupposes that the Rays require a new stadium in order to solidify their long-term position as a competitor in the American League East.  There are credible arguments refuting this proposition, but those arguments are given no space in the following paragraphs.

            For those readers who live in the Tampa Bay area, you may be at least vaguely familiar with the fact that the city of St. Petersburg is currently conducting a primary election for its next mayor.  The primary election will be concluded on September 1st, and the general election will be held on November 3rd.  Outgoing mayor Rick Baker is term-limited out of office and as a result, after 8 years, the city of St. Petersburg will have a new chief officer.  In normal times, it is essential for a sports team to have a good working relationship with the mayor’s office of the team’s home city.  Services such as public transportation, security and parking are typically provided at least in part through the mayor’s office (meaning that in some instances the city will provide the security or will help facilitate overflow parking or coordinate public transportation schedules).  Having an ally in the mayor’s office then, as the Rays have had in Mayor Baker, can go a long way towards the successful operation of a franchise.

            The stakes are higher than normal right now (which is why I am writing this article).  Because the Rays need a new stadium in order to survive in this market (if you disagree, please go back to the Disclaimer at the top of this page and re-read), the relationship with the next mayor of St. Petersburg will be the single most important relationship for the team in that quest for a new facility.  There are three primary ways in which a positive relationship with the mayor will benefit the Rays ability to secure a new facility: 1) securing of public finance; 2) determining the future of the operating covenant with St. Pete; and 3) generating public support for the Rays’ new stadium. (Continues after the Jump)

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